Looks like Honda is getting serious about turning its MotoGP fortunes around—and it might be doing so by raiding KTM’s top engine brain. According to reports out of Germany, Kurt Trieb, one of the key engineers behind KTM’s race-winning RC16 engine, is set to make a high-profile switch to HRC (Honda Racing Corporation).
Trieb, who currently leads KTM’s racing engine development team in Munderfing, is widely credited with playing a massive role in building one of the most powerful engines on the MotoGP grid. In fact, KTM still holds the MotoGP top speed record at 366.1 km/h (227.5 mph)—a testament to the sheer muscle of their V4 motor.
While neither KTM nor Honda has officially confirmed the move yet, reputable German outlet Speedweek claims it’s a done deal. If true, Trieb would take on a similar role with Honda, heading a new Italy-based HRC technical group, which signals a big shift in how Honda approaches engine development.
What’s interesting is that this wouldn’t just be a MotoGP gig. At KTM, Trieb oversees all racing engine programs—from the RC16’s V4 to the single-cylinder Moto3 powerplants and even the Dakar-conquering 450 Rally machines. So if he joins HRC, expect that broad expertise to be put to good use across categories.
From Honda’s side, it’s a bold and strategic move. Ironically, when KTM first entered MotoGP, their RC16 was inspired heavily by Honda’s RC213V. Now the tables seem to be turning, with Honda seemingly looking to replicate KTM’s engine success by hiring the man who helped build it.
It’s also a sign that Honda is fully embracing a global mindset in MotoGP development. The potential addition of Trieb follows their earlier hiring of Romano Albesiano, the former Aprilia tech boss, as Technical Director. Together, it looks like HRC is assembling an international dream team in hopes of reclaiming their place at the front of the pack—something they haven’t done since winning their last title in 2019.
If the reports are true, this could be one of the most impactful behind-the-scenes moves in recent MotoGP memory. It’s not just about who’s riding the bike anymore—it’s about who’s building it.
